New Saudi nuclear energy policy for peaceful purposes

Riyadh - The Cabinet also approved regulations for the Nuclear and Radiation Control Authority.

Saudi Arabia's Cabinet approved the national policy for atomic energy programme in the Kingdom during a session chaired by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on Tuesday.
According to the new policy, "all nuclear activities will be restricted to peaceful purposes, within the framework defined by international legislations, treaties and conventions".
The Kingdom is committed to complying with the principles of transparency in regulatory and operational aspects, and conforming to nuclear safety and security standards, the Cabinet said in a statement after its meeting.
The national policy recognises the importance of optimal utilisation of natural resources found in nuclear materials, applying best practices for radioactive-waste management and achieving sustainability by developing local expertise in the atomic energy sector, the Cabinet added.
The Cabinet also approved regulations for the Nuclear and Radiation Control Authority. It has referred two draft regulations - Civil Liability System for Nuclear Damage and Nuclear and Radiation Control System - to the Shura Council, for consideration.
In July 2017, the proposed plan for utilisation of atomic and renewable energy was approved by the Council of Ministers.

• Saudi Arabia
• MENA